Jurgen Klopp reassures Newcastle fans ahead of Loris Karius debut

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are set to hand Loris Karius his Toon debut in the Carabao Cup final this weekend, and his former manager Jurgen Klopp has confidence in the goalkeeper.

The 29-year-old looks set to come in for Nick Pope, who will be suspended for the game at Wembley. He was sent off in the defeat to Liverpool, and will now serve a one-match ban.

It is cruel on Pope, who has been enjoying a sensational season. He has played a key role in our journey to the cup final and was the hero in the penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace.

But he will be watching on from the stands, as Karius prepares to come in for his competitive Toon debut. His only appearance for the club came in a friendly win over Al-Hilal back in December.

It is an incredible occasion for Karius to make his debut, and his former manager has no doubt that Newcastle can rely on him.

Jurgen Klopp says Newcastle can rely on Loris Karius at Wembley

Following Saturday night’s game at St James’ Park, Klopp spoke to the Athletic. He was asked about his former Liverpool player starting this weekend’s League Cup final against Manchester United.

“You can absolutely rely on him [Karius],” Klopp said.

“There’s no doubt that he’s a great goalie. That’s why Newcastle signed him.”

Newcastle fans will back Karius

Klopp’s words on Karius should fill Toon fans with confidence. Just ignore the fact that he spent all of last season at Anfield and didn’t play a single minute.

In fact, Sunday’s League Cup final will be Karius’ first competitive game since February 2021 when he was on loan at Union Berlin.

But we must ignore Karius’ lack of competitive football, or his history in cup finals. All we can do is get behind the German stopper, and roar him and the rest of the lads on at Wembley.

Klopp thinks Newcastle can rely on him, and that is exactly why he was brought to St James’ Park as he says.

It is a real shame that Pope isn’t available, but it is sadly a harsh reality. This is why you have a squad, and now Karius has an incredible chance to make himself a Newcastle United legend with just one appearance.